At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality strategy and ensure compliance for fire safety systems.
- Company: Global leader in fire safety systems with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a driven team committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and product integrity in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: Senior quality leadership experience and knowledge of fire safety standards.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Where performance, quality and ease of use are paramount, you’ll find Advanced on the wall. Advanced is a global leader in the design and manufacture of specialist fire safety systems that protect lives and property in more than 80 countries across the globe.
Our team members are passionate, driven and up for a challenge. If you have ambition to make a difference, then please read on.
Location - Newcastle
Reports to - Operations Director
Role Purpose
The Head of Quality is accountable for defining, leading and embedding a robust quality strategy across the business, ensuring all fire detection and alarm products meet regulatory, customer and certification requirements. The role champions a culture of right‑first‑time, continuous improvement and compliance, protecting product integrity, business reputation and customer safety. This is a senior leadership role with end to end responsibility for Quality Management Systems, product compliance, audit readiness and continuous improvement across design, manufacturing, suppliers and product performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Quality Strategy & Leadership: Define and deliver the Quality strategy aligned to business growth, regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Act as the senior Quality authority, providing credible challenge and guidance to the leadership team. Embed a strong quality culture across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain functions. Lead, develop and performance‑manage the Quality team.
- Quality Management System (QMS): Own and continually improve the Quality Management System (ISO 9001), ensuring effective implementation across all functions. Ensure document control, change management, corrective and preventive action (CAPA), and management review processes are robust and effective. Drive risk‑based thinking and preventative quality approaches.
- Regulatory & Product Compliance: Ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulations, including (but not limited to): EN 54 series, BS 5839 (relevant interfaces and system considerations), UKCA / CE marking, LPCB approvals (and/or UL where applicable). Oversee product approval, re‑certification and technical file integrity. Ensure effective quality controls across manufacturing, test and inspection processes. Lead supplier quality assurance, including supplier audits, performance monitoring and corrective actions. Support new product introduction (NPI) processes to ensure quality is designed in from concept through to production.
- Audit & Assurance: Lead internal and external audits, including certification, customer and regulatory audits. Ensure timely and effective closure of audit findings and continuous improvement actions. Prepare the organisation for growth‑related audit complexity (new markets, products, customers). Use data, KPIs and root‑cause analysis to drive measurable quality improvement. Reduce cost of poor quality, rework, scrap and field issues. Support operational excellence and lean initiatives where appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Senior Quality leadership experience within electronic, electrical or safety‑critical manufacturing.
- Strong working knowledge of fire detection and alarm standards (EN 54 essential).
- Proven experience owning ISO 9001 systems and leading external audits.
- Strong understanding of product compliance, certification and regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to influence at senior and board level with confidence and credibility.
- Experience leading and developing technical Quality teams.
- Experience within fire safety, life‑safety or regulated product environments.
- Exposure to LPCB, UL or multi‑territory product approvals.
- Experience supporting business growth, new markets or product expansion.
- Lean / Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement qualifications.
Personal Attributes
- Calm, credible and decisive under pressure.
- Detail‑focused with strong commercial awareness.
- Confident challenger with a collaborative leadership style.
- Values‑led and committed to product safety and integrity.
Head of Quality in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Halma p.l.c
At Advanced, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the fire safety sector, offering a dynamic work environment in Newcastle Upon Tyne where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our mission. Our team is driven by a shared passion for excellence, supported by robust employee growth opportunities, a culture of continuous improvement, and a commitment to product integrity and customer safety. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that values your contributions and fosters professional development.
